Farewell to the miracle girl who touched the hearts of millions: Celebrities join mourners at funeral of fundraiser Kirsty Howard who died aged 20 - 16 years after she was given just weeks to live

 

• Kirsty Howard's funeral was held in Manchester today where hundreds lined the streets in tribute to her life 
• 20-year-old was born with her heart back-to-front and was told that she would not live beyond the age of four
• Kirsty was the only person in the UK - and second in the world - to be diagnosed with the condition in 1999 
• She set up her own charity and raised £7.5million for a hospice in campaign that inspired Britain and many stars. Anyone who wishes to donate in her memory can do so at justgiving.com/kirstyclub or www.thekirstyclub.com 

Celebrities today paid tribute to the extraordinary life of fundraiser Kirsty Howard at her funeral as crowds lined the streets in her memory.

Doctors said the 20-year-old would not live past the age of four after being born with a back-to-front heart but Kirsty went on to inspire Britain and a host of stars including David Beckham by raising £7.5million for charity.

Miss Howard died last month and today spontaneous applause and cheers broke out as her pink coffin, pulled by two white horses draped in a pink and white silk cloth, travelled to St Michael & All Angels in Wythenshawe, Manchester.

Mourners including Coronation Street stars Samir Ghadie and Anthony Cotton, singer Russell Watson and actress Sue Johnston also wore pink in tribute to the 20-year-old, who died last month just after her birthday.

In her short life she raised millions to help care for terminally-ill children and support their parents.

Poignant: Crowds lined the streets of Manchester today as Kirsty Howard's coffin was pulled on its way to her funeral today

         

Inspiration: Kirsty, who was born with her heart back-to-front, was told she would not live past four-years-old but has died aged 20 and today her family and friends celebrated her life at her funeral

     

Stars: Coronation Street actress Samir Ghadie, singer Russell Watson and actress Sue Johnston were all inspired by Kirsty and came to her funeral today

         

Friends: Former England captain David Beckham met Kirsty when she was an England mascot, left, and handing over the ceremonial baton when the Queen opened the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002, right.

Source: Daily Mail